Psychological thriller, whose thrills are unburdened by any actual psychology. Only the sullen teenage daughter suspects there is something funny about her beaming new stepfather: "It's like getting Ward Cleaver for a dad." And indeed the man actually watches TV re-runs of "Mr. Ed", and not just watches but laughs at! His more serious offense, however, is having hacked up his previous family when they "disappointed" him. Basically trashy, but well constructed, with well-controlled tension and welcome safety valves of black humor, and a strong performance in the lead role by Terry O'Quinn (whom, if you closed your eyes, you might almost mistake for Pat Boone). Jill Schoelen, Shelley Hack; written by Donald Westlake; directed by Joseph Ruben. (1987) — Duncan Shepherd
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